Philippines expresses concern over U.S. decision to suspend nuclear arms control pact with Russia

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday expressed concern over the U.S. decision to suspend the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, widely known as INF Treaty.

"Last Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States is suspending the (INF Treaty), a key pact with Russia that has been a centerpiece of the European security since the Cold War. Russia also retaliated," Lorenzana said in a speech at a security forum.

Lorenzana said the move by both countries is a "subject of concern."

"Right now, all we can do is closely monitor the situation and watch with keen interest these developments."

The treaty bans the use of short and medium-range missiles by both countries.